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New Contractor Safety Requirements

Housing Rental Licenses extended to April 15, 2015

DEPARTMENT OF LICENSES AND INSPECTIONS TO EXTEND RENWAL LICENSE DEADLINE FOR LANDLORDS AND BUSINESS OWNERS

This year, the Department of Licenses and Inspections introduced a new Land Management System (LMS) that will revolutionize the way citizens and customers do business with the City of Philadelphia. Project eCLIPSE is the name of the new LMS and is the acronym for Electronic, Commercial Licensing, Inspections, Permit Services Enterprise. The system presents a marked change of L&I’s external capabilities by allowing business owners, developers, and residents to interact with the Department from their home or work computers. L&I’s previous system did not have interactive or online capabilities that allow citizens to do business directly with the Department. The system required frequent visits to the Municipal Services Building Concourse for mailed or walk-in payments. Project eCLIPSE has the type of interactivity and responsiveness that we want to see in our government, including online permit and license applications, automatic billing and the option to pay by credit card or Electronic Check (eCheck). Nearly everything that was done through a visit to the Concourse in the Municipal Services Building will be available online, such as permitting, licensing, and plan review, which includes all building and zoning permits and business licenses. Project eCLIPSE also includes new payment options, including pay-by-credit-card online or eCheck, alongside the traditional mail-in method. We will increase our accessibility and responsiveness by placing our permitting, licensing, and plan review online, and making this information available to the public 24 hours a day and seven days a week. This 24/7 access allows customers the ability to do business with the Department from anywhere making the City of Philadelphia a place of choice for developers business owners and landlords.

On January 5, 2015 the Department introduced Phase 1 of the new LMS system which included business licensing and affected over 100,000 customers in the City of Philadelphia including 80,000 Landlords. Phase 1 allowed all existing business owners to register with the new system by setting up an account through the Department’s website at www.phila.gov/li with a link to the eCLIPSE portal. The Department realized that it would be a challenge and an adjustment period for business owners and landlords registering with the new system. As predicted some owners have been experiencing difficulties obtaining their rental licenses for various reasons. We apologize for this inconvenience and have been working diligently to address these issues as quickly as possible. We have set up a customer service line for Project eCLIPSE at (215) 686-2772 or email: www.license.inssuance@phila.gov to assist our customers that have experienced problems renewing their licenses. We also understand that a current Housing Inspection License is required for programs with other agencies such as the PHA Voucher Program and PGW Landlord Cooperation Program. Therefore the Department of Licenses and Inspections has extended the renewal deadline to April 15, 2015. This will allow customers enough time to address their licensing issues, set up an eCLIPSE account and obtain an updated business license from the City of Philadelphia. No penalties or fines will be assessed during the extension period.

Often times new systems like Project eCLIPSE experience some challenges during the initial launch. However, we strongly believe that we will overcome these growing pains and offer a system that will improve services to our citizens and customers in a major way. The Department of Licenses and Inspections thank you for your patience during this period and will continue to work with you in helping your business succeed here in the City of Philadelphia.

Electrical and Plumbing Permit applications

Effective November 24, 2014, faxed Electrical and Plumbing Permit applications will not be accepted. Applications and all required documentation may be submitted in person or emailed to the L&I Mechanical Services Unit at mechservices@phila.gov. Click here for plumbing permit submission requirements and here for electrical permit requirements.

Returned Checks

If your check is returned unpaid for insufficient or uncollected funds, (1) you authorize eCollect, LLC to make a one-time electronic funds transfer from your account to collect a fee of $20; and (2) eCollect, LLC may re-present your check electronically to your depository institution for payment.

Project information signs now required for all construction, demolition, addition, or alteration projects submitted after June 30, 2014.

Special Inspections Program

For Engineering Services, Construction Services, Emergency Services; this procedure establishes the minimum requirements necessary to safeguard the public health, safety and general welfare through structural strength, stability, and safety to life and property from fire and other hazards. For more details, click here.